Family & Pets

Top Spots To See Snow In South Florida

For years, South Floridians have gladly traded in a white Christmas for white hot holiday. As a result, many South Floridians have never seen snow. Thanks to modern technology, many establishments are using snow machines to bring the magic of winter to the Magic City and children of all ages can see a winter wonderland without traveling north. View these community and independently organized events below to give your child his or her first snow day without the worry of missing school.

It’s always a jungle out there in South Florida, but from now until January 5, it’s a Winter Wonder Island. Parrot Jungle Island incorporates the best of both worlds when two extreme climates collide. The result is Christmas, island style. Marvel at the laser lights, catch a holiday film and pose for photos with Santa Claus. Then frolic in the snow with your family to treat your kids to a winter jungle. After the fun is done, stay and experience lions, tigers and bears as you traverse the park during Christmastime. Simply pay the price of admission and treat yourself to a snowy treat. Concessions will be on hand as well to ensure everyone is well fed and ready for a blizzard of activities.

Christmas is a month-long celebration at Miami Lakes United Methodist Church. Following the success of its Pumpkin Patch, organizers are throwing a Winterfest event, which began on November 29 and runs the entire month of December. That means there are plenty of opportunities to play in its newest arrival, snow. Walk through the Joyful Winterland to see the lights of the season and spot Christmas characters that are sure to put you in a holiday mood. Watch the children play games and listen to carolers on the weekends. Even sample some s’mores over a bonfire to get an authentic winter experience. Commemorate the wintry event with a photo with Santa Claus and mail letters to the North Pole for his elves to sort through. Admission is free.

Venture to Ramblas Plaza to experience the Magical Snowfall snow show at 7 p.m. nightly and an additional 9 p.m. show on Thursdays and Sundays. It’s yet another free event that happens every night (except holidays) from now until January 5 at the Dolphin Mall. You can escape the heat of Florida and enter a winter wonderland. Go ahead and make a snow angel or form a snowball, although it might not stay together. This is truly a magical event the whole family will love.

Niema Hulin was born in Newark, NJ but raised in Lexington, South Carolina for the bulk of her formative years. In 2002, she moved to Miami after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, Niema has worked in film, television and commercials as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. Some of her films have included Bad Boys II and I Am Number IV. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.